Amazon Keywords for Books: How to Use Keywords for Better Discovery on Amazon

by Dale L. Roberts

You wrote the book.

The cover is on point.

Why isn’t it selling?

The answer is Nobody knows it exists.

Amazon is a market place and when someone goes there to find a new book, they do a search, and that’s where the keywords become crucial.

You need them

Meta Data (7-keywords)Description (Help Amazon’s Algorithm)Running AMS adsYou’ll

The importance & function of keywordsHow to fill the 7 backend keyword slots in KDPWhy keyword relevance determines your success How to leverage search engines to do your workAnd so much more…The most wonderful part is the AMS Ads tool might be the best kept secret in keyword research and Dale will show you how to get the most out of it.

Are you ready for success?

You’ll love this comprehensive book on keywords, because it’s easy to follow and will teach you what you need to forever master the subject.

Get it now.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2020

About the author

Dale L. Roberts is a self-publishing advocate, award-winning author, and trusted voice in the indie publishing community. With over 50 titles, 40 literary awards, and a YouTube audience of over 100,000 subscribers, Dale is a go-to authority for self-publishing success. His most recent book, Self-Publishing for New Authors, is an entrant for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction.

As a Video Content Advisor for the Alliance of Independent Authors and a pioneer in video marketing for authors, Dale empowers writers to build their brands and achieve bestseller status. His journey from a struggling first-time author to a self-publishing success story inspires thousands worldwide.

Reviews

[Chris Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although fairly new to self-publishing I had watched a large quantity of Dale L. Roberts' videos on his YouTube channel so was initially unsure how much information would add to my already expanding knowledge base. The reality is this book isn't so much about adding new information, although it's good for that too if you're just starting out, but what it's really good for is consolidating all the information that is out there on Keywords and the whole self-publishing process. I really feel that having read this book the fog surrounding some of these concepts has cleared and that has a lot to do with the relatable way Dale explains his thoughts. Did I learn anything I didn't already know? I'd say I definitely picked up a few new tips but more importantly I feel like I've come away with a greater understanding of how to approach keywords going forward and will definitely be revisiting my keywords as a result. If you're new to self-publishing or even if you're a veteran who is perhaps getting a bit lost with the excess of information out there then this is definitely worth a read.

[Omanah Bultman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time follower and student of the Self Publishing with Dale Brand, I have to say this book is long overdue. With that said, I am glad you took your time to put together a book that is detailed and constant with your teaching.

I can't tell you how many "Self Publishing" books I have read over the years, and they all pretty much say the same things "Choose a keyword," "Have an attractive cover," "Get Reviews," This book is different. Amazon Keywords for Books zeros in on the concept of utilizing keywords to aid you in leveraging the amazon algorithm; this, in turn, enables the author/publisher to reach their target audience and, in turn, increase sales and building audiences.

This book was incredible; I loved how the writing was fluid. It felt as if Dale was talking to me. I was able to pick up on Dale's voice through writing, a skill that, as a reader, I value and hold in high regard.

Even though I have been following Dale for years, I feel this book has taken his teachings to a new level. As a student (in general), I love having the physical book in front of me; I am thoroughly pleased.

In all, this book was terrific. It breaks down the massive topic of Keywords into digestible and understandable chunks. The tasks are actionable and practical. The interior is stunning, and there is no fluff; the analogies used to connect with the materials mentioned.

Thank you for creating such an amazing resource for self-publishers.

[Sylvia Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bible to mastering keywords to sell books ... thank you!

When I was Reading Dale's book, instead of my voice in my head, his voice was there, encouraging me that I could master keywords and giving me layman's terms I could understand and conquer this journey I've been frustrated with for years.

In the first twenty pages, I learned an amazing technique that really changed my books keywords and increased the sales on books I hadn't gotten touched in a couple of months without any other marketing to them.

I truly know this book is so needed in this day and age when meta data will rule the next bestseller. Dale has made it understandable and given me a winning solution to reaching my target market and selling books

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several books about Amazon keywords, and this one went into a lot more detail about the why and the how behind them which I appreciated. I had heard about opening an incognito window to search Amazon before, but I didn't know why or how exactly I needed to do it. Dale explained it, and with my latest release, my selected keywords helped it do even better than what I was expecting!

I had to knock a star off for all the sentences that began with And, (And comma) or But, (But comma) though, because there were so, so many. This is a stylistic issue, but it broke up the flow and grew wearisome. As a former editor, I notice these things.

Still, I do think it's worth a read!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Amazon Keywords for Books: How to Use Keywords for Better Discovery on Amazon" by Dale L. Roberts is a resource MUST HAVE for any self-publisher! No matter your genre, Dale covers the best marketing strategy for using keywords to sell your book on Amazon. For those who prefer having information written out because you retain it better, this book is for you. Are you more of a visual learner, like myself? Great, Dale has you covered with excellent visual representations that allow you to relate to the information he is sharing. The format throughout this book keeps you reading, it’s not a mundane textbook but an exciting journey into learning how to better your self-publishing abilities in the Amazon marketplace, through correctly utilized keywords.
Whether you have not heard of or have not yet budgeted for Dale’s online course, "Amazon Keywords for Books: How to Use Keywords for Better Discovery on Amazon" is a valuable tool until you are able to join his course and dive further into your self-publication learning. Self-publication is a relatively new option to the publication industry (a toddler of publication, let’s say) and due to it being done wrong many times in the beginning, there has been a stigma placed on self-publishers. With "Amazon Keywords for Books: How to Use Keywords for Better Discovery on Amazon," Dale helps reset the standard and offers excellent educational resources on how to self-publish the right way.
Yes, there is a right and wrong way to self-publish and Dale helps clear the mud.

[April Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice job!

This will be great or new authors looking to better understand the keyword process. I have been a fan of Dales YouTube channel for some time and the book did not disappoint.

[Kevin Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right off the bat, look at that cover! I love it. After you’ve admired the cover, imagine how the interior looks. Dale put a lot of effort into making this book look as amazing as the information inside.

I got an advanced copy of the paperback version of this book, so I’ve seen the interior. He’s got creative chapter title images. Just like the cover, it looks like the chapter title is being searched. It’s cool. Then, throughout the book, there are other images and even backgrounds. Dale spared no expense here.

Now I’ll discuss the information. Dale is a walking, talking encyclopedia of self-publishing information. He doesn’t hold back anything in this book. Everything you need to know about keywords is in these pages, in plain sight. I thought I learned all I needed to know about keywords, then I’d flip a page and say, “Huh. That’s new to me.”

My favorite chapter was Leveraging Amazon Ads for Better Keywords. I’m not going to give away the information here, that would be rude. I’ll just say the information in this chapter is gold for every author, fiction or nonfiction.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Amazon Keywords for Books. I learned a lot more than I thought I would, and you will too. I liked the book so much, I bought the eBook version to carry on my iPad and phone, so I can have the information at my fingertips whenever I need it.

[Thomas Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not to be missed if you want to succeed in self-publishing!
Way back when I was in medical school, I had a mentor that told me "Knowledge is like love – it's worthless unless you give it away. Well, Dale Roberts has fulfilled that little piece of wisdom in this book. And he's done it in a way that is anything but dry. If you're serious about getting ahead in your self-publishing business, this is a Must Read. There are no guarantees in life, but I have no doubt that if you absorb and apply the concepts Dale puts forward here, you'll see positive results. I can say that because I have.
The strength of this book lies in the fact that it opens up a new way of thinking about keywords and how to use them effectively. There is so much more to them than just finding a few words that seem to fit your work. This book goes beyond the surface to a deeper dive into understanding what you need to get recognized.
Don't get left behind. This book should be in every self-publishers library.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review. In my opinion, this is a four and a half-star work. (I'm a tough marker.) But since you can't have halves, I thought it fair to bump it up rather than down.

[Tony Jacobsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a self-published author, it's important for me to stay up on current marketing trends across various platforms. AMS is one of the top platforms I market on and having the appropriate keywords helps to increase the discovery of my book as well as takes me to the top of search lists. Dale has written an up-to-date book that clearly explains how-to maximize keywords and sell more books (period). And he teaches only what he has done himself, which makes it even more useful. Thanks for a great book, Dale!

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dale L. Roberts has been in the self publishing business for over six years, and I’m familiar enough with his podcasts, videos, and courses to know that he knows what he’s talking about. That’s why I was so excited when I got a chance to read an advance copy of his new book, Amazon Keywords for Books.
If you’ve self-published a book you may have stumbled through the process until your book is finally out there, for sale. But there’s so much more to it than that! What will make your book sell?
In this book, Dale fleshes out every aspect of using keywords. He includes information on relevancy, how to get reviews, using categories, how search engines work, what the ABSR means, the benefits of incognito searching, the importance of metadata, the best way to use KDP’s seven keyword slots, and he unlocks the secrets of Amazon advertising.
Even if you have been self-publishing for a few years as I have, I’m sure Amazon Keywords for Books will give you new information and deepen your understanding of what you may already know. Don’t miss this book!

[Ryan Carriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

KEYWORD: A great guide for self-published authors who want to sell more books!

Although I think I went over my allotted 50 letter backend keyword slots for the one line review, Amazon Keywords for Books: How to Use Keywords for Better Discovery on Amazon - is a great all-in-one guide to help you navigate Amazon’s maze of metadata.

It sounds like weird science, because it is. But Dale takes you through it all, one step at a time, and does it in an informative, detailed way. As a self-published author, I’ve been using and studying keywords for several years now, somewhat thinking I knew most tricks of the trade, but even I picked up some great tidbits!

As you go through the book, if you are anything like me, you will have to stop in some chapters and take notes because there is a lot of significant information you don’t want to miss. Don’t worry though, the book is filled with all kinds of useful links, hints, tips and tricks, that will definitely point you in the right direction with your books.

I like how the book is organized, and how Dale weaves in anecdotes and his own experience to help explain some dryer content. It helps to clarify the message and gives the read an overall less robotic feel. But in reality, trying to understand, and decipher Amazon’s unique method of algorithm manipulation, one would have to dive into a bit of the tediousness of the ones and zeros of search engine optimization.

The best part of the book for me was the inclusion of some of the finer marketing points that seem like common sense, but ultimately, some of us so busy with the craft of creating, sadly forget. Scribbling some ideas down, I set my sights on my own books, giving them a metadata checkup and used the new techniques I learned to boost them up. Time will tell!

Whether you are looking to write a more discoverable description, or stumbling on how to populate the seven backend keyword slots, heck, even trying to create a profitable AMS ad campaign, this book is a great resource to help guide you on your way to sell more books. And let’s be honest, that is what we all want to do!

[Lee Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for marketing books effectively while gaining a better understanding of Amazon key words and beyond..

There is so much information in this clear and concise guide which is designed to help anyone who is published via Amazon reach readers through the concept of shared interests using keywords - while this may sound technical and it might be but Dale L. Roberts explains this concept flawlessly and easily. Not once did I have to re-read anything although I will be going back many times to use this guide as a reference point to improve my own book marketing efforts. While reading it I have already implemented some of the valuable advice given.

The guide begins with Dale relaying a conversation he had with a few old friends who share the same interests and this serves as an example throughout in how we can find an audience that can relate to our books to eventually drive sales. That ideal reader is out there and we just need to build a bridge to them through keywords. Of course we get a plethora of information on keywords like what they are, why they are important and how best to use them. It's upfront about the fact keywords aren't all that sell books but they are indeed important.

The world of selling books on Amazon can be daunting especially if you don't know much about it but this guide has given me a lot more than I used to know and there are even some other valuable outside the box tips that opened my eyes. From search engine algorithms to the relevancy of key words alongside many more useful articles linked throughout and at the end of what I consider an essential read for all authors.

[Marc Antomattei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me premise by saying I’m probably Dale’s biggest fan. I know it may not appear that way from the average review score. I’m trying to progress myself as a self-published author as much as I can, as quickly as possible, and then some. When I first found Dale’s channel on YouTube about two months back, it’s exactly what I needed at the time I needed it. Each day consecutively for Lord knows how many days, I would binge content for two to three hours, soaking up information like a sponge. And I still binge and watch his videos religiously even today. I had such a hidden secret admirer bromance going on with his videos that I started following him on Instagram so that whenever I had a pertinent question I needed an answer to immediately, I’d ask him in the comment section or even by DM. He’s been outstanding about responding. Folks, Dale’s content is starting to blow up big, once his subscriber count grows, and people start thinking just as I do. Don’t expect him to have much time to answer all your questions when he reaches that point personally. Please take advantage of him now.

Having said all that, this book wasn’t what I was expecting at all. Nor did it answer the questions that I was looking for answers to. I bought this book because I have been so enamored with Dale and the value he already provided me, the book sold itself. I had a battle with myself on whether to buy the eBook or print version. I could have saved a great deal of money by going with the eBook, but ultimately I bought the print version, and here’s why. I’m entangled with a group of writers. If the value is there, it’s much easier to let them borrow a physical, tangible book rather than my expensive $1,000 iPad Pro that I utilize daily.

Without dragging this review out any longer, here’s why I’m not ultimately satisfied with this book. If you are an absolute beginner to self-publishing, you’d probably get more value out of this than me, but ultimately it failed to answer my questions and provided some content I felt we could have used less of.

Page 15 (as well as some other pages) mentioned Google keywords and even went in-depth about how we can use things like the “+” symbol to allow for a broader search on Google. I feel that it has no relevance to me because I want to know how to utilize keywords on Amazon so that on-site users can be directed to my book more easily. Can you use the + symbol on Amazon? No. So, I feel that’s information that doesn’t help me. Again, I’m not trying to master Google keywords.

The biggest thing I wanted to know about is how to use the seven keyword slots that Amazon gives us exactly. On page 52, Dale has a section titled “How Do You Fill the Seven Keyword Slots?” I feel it could have been better. Fifty characters can be typed in each of the seven blocks; I wanted to see better examples of this as yes, I am a dummy. I need more idiot-proof samples for me to follow to do something correctly. As much of an idiot as I am, as I’m sure some of you are, a book written to teach, educate, and instruct us how to do something shouldn’t give us the benefit of the doubt in hoping we’ll understand. It should spell it out for us, dumb it down, and put it concisely into layman’s terms. So I recently published a book, “50 Japanese Whiskies.” I filled out my seven keyword blocks, but did I do them correctly? After finishing Dale’s book, I still don’t know.

One of my blocks has “Japanese Whisky,” written in it. Another block has “Japanese Whiskey” because I know Americans have a variant spelling of whisky. Should I have used up two blocks for that? Or should I have done something like this in just one block: “Japanese Whisky Whiskey Whiskies?” Or if I go that far to stack as many similar keywords/phrases into one block, should I go even further by putting “Drinking Japanese Japan Whisky Whiskey Whiskies” into one block? Or should I throw as many mixed, but still relevant keywords into one block as possible: “Drinking Alcohol Spirits Scotch Whisky Whiskey Japanese Japan Tokyo Osaka Kyoto.” I wanted hard, foolproof examples that Dale didn’t provide enough of. I feel this section should be the core of the book (maybe I’m wrong), but more time should have been spent focusing on this section.

On page 75, Dale begins to give us some additional tools to help us progress. The big one I’m interested in but know little about is “Publisher Rocket.” Instead of the pages written at the beginning about Google and, to a lesser degree Facebook, and giving us one and a half pages on Publisher Rocket, he should have given us more on using it. It would have been much more valuable, as it’s related to my book being hosted on Amazon and his title “Amazon Keywords For Books.” At the end of his introduction to Publisher Rocket, he directs us to watch one of his videos talking more about it. Sure, you could do that. But I just bought this book. Type it, transcribe it, put it here, and make me feel the value in this book. I could be referencing the book while using the computer to input my keywords into KDP or Amazon ads instead of switching between browsers, pausing YouTube, rewinding it, etc.

I went off on a big rant about things I don’t like, but it is a good book in that it’s easy to pick up and go through fairly quickly. Time is money. I’m trying to put my learning into practice as soon as possible. I want to make money now. The book has also motivated me to write my own on self-publishing, albeit much different from his. As I become more knowledgeable about things and how they work, mostly through me putting in the time and effort of research, and equally my money, the more qualified I feel about teaching the public how to do the same. I mentioned before I’m a dummy, so if I can put it into dummy talk so as many people as possible can get it, why not? I’ve published with the big three, Amazon, Ingramspark, and Lulu (four counting the lesser BookBaby). The only way I could genuinely compare was to buy from all four to find the best fit for each category, printed, eBook, paperback, and hardcover. Comparing quality, prices, and distribution reach, I feel I got something to say. That’s what’s on my agenda.

Man, I need to get on Dale’s show soon.

[Carol Langkamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keywords is something that has stumped me from the beginning of my writing days. I tried and tried my best but could never get it right. The only thing that happened to me is frustration.
In this book, Dale does an excellent job breaking down the importance of keywords, how to figure out what words to use, and how to check if a keyword is a good fit. He also shares his understanding of algorithms and how to work with them. I have never before understood why if I want my books to sell, this is such an important part of the process. He breaks down the process into small bits of information and makes it easy to understand!
I admit I haven't done much of anything with my own books but after reading this, I am definitely going to see if I can improve upon my keywords and have a go at it again! By the way, Dale also talks about the importance of marketing and how that works too.
There is so much information to glean here that I will be rereading it again and again as I learn how to improve on my own keywords and marketing. Definitely a good resource for this!

[Brigitte Billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an editor and self-published author, I've followed Dale Roberts' youtube channel and online updates for some time, and I've never been disappointed with his advice. This book is no exception.
Dale's approach is simple, clear, and accessible - much like his public persona online. It's a style that made "Amazon Keywords for Books: How to Use Keywords for Better Discovery on Amazon" easy to read and understand, which is great because Amazon Keywords have always left me a little muddled. To be honest, I've generally asked friends in the same genre to let me use the ones they've picked out.
Yesterday I uploaded a new title, using the keyword advice outlined in Dale's book, and the process was so much clearer to me. Better still, when I checked my reports this morning, there was already activity on my new title!
Ultimately, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. If my book sales fly, I'll be looking for a way to add another star to this review.

[Hannah Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon keywords 101 for authors

Every author I know wants to sell more books. Honing your keyword skills will help you accomplish that, and Dale's book has all the secrets.

Keywords allow you to position your book in exactly the right place, so your ideal readers can find, buy, and enjoy your book. Dale shows you precisely how to select keywords and create a keyword strategy to drive traffic (and ultimately buyers) to your book.

If you're an author, this book will become your go-to guide for Amazon keywords. Add it to your personal library or gift it to an author friend who is building their book. You'll be proud to share this resource. The content is useful as much as the book design is gorgeous.

[J Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dale Roberts breaks down a complicated subject into easy-to-understand bites of wisdom. His definitions are straight forward as if he is having a conversation with a reader over a cup of coffee. He offered tips on when and when not to use quotation marks around a keyword, definition of algorithm, adding books to wish lists, filling in category boxes and more. Whether you are a new writer or an experienced author, you will pick up some gems in this book.

[Nick Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book for aspiring & existing authors who will learn how best to promote or make their manuscript/book more visible.

I found it interesting in that there are so many specific combinations of search terms & words which will get a book noticed on an Amazon search engine. By closely following the text, it does work too,

Four stars as I could not keep my eyes open reading on an iPhone!
Otherwise an extremely useful tool and excellent value to boot!

[John Keillor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keywords are crucial in self-publishing, and Amazon Keywords for Books is up-to-date, clear and concise, providing comprehensive insight into how keywords operate generally and through Amazon specifically. This book is a blessing to pros and newbies alike, highlighting basics alongside instructions on how to confront the dynamic range of keyword relevance over time. Essential stuff.

[Ali Kaptanoglu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following and reading Dale for almost a year know. By far the best cost-free indie publisher friend and mentor.

One can establish a strong self publishing business by folowwing his channel on youtube and getting in touch with him. I thank this awsome person for beeing a guiding light on the path of self publishing.

[Michael Heister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon Keywords is brief and to the point. It's about the do's and don't's for indie publishers distributing their books through Amazon, and it's packed with practical advice.

Rare is the indie author who can make a living off their books without using Amazon, so I think this is an important read for any indie author who's serious about doing well on Amazon with their books.

[Michael Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dale does it again. A wonderful resource for learning how to better use keywords to improve discoverability of your books both on Amazon and I can see value with Google and other search engines. Learn your keywords and sell more books. Thank you Dale for providing such a wonderful book and for all of the resources listed at the end. That list alone is worth the price of the book.

[N. Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Figuring out keywords made easy

A book all about keywords and how to find them. I highlighted a lot of info so I can go back and put it in practice. Like the DS Amazon Quick view. Can't wait to use that. Can't wait for his others. His Youtube ch is very helpfully too.

[Kyle Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! I was lost but now I'm found! This is THE book I needed to understand keywords and improve my ads and organic exposure. Great results already! Highly recommended, especially for beginners!

[Vince Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great foundation and understanding for keywords for anyone in the self publishing space!

[Eldon Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick little read filled with lots of awesome detail. Very helpful!!

[Penelope Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Will read again. Helpful in a confusing field.

[Tania Stephanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great kick start on the basics on finding the right keywords to help you advertise your books on Amazon.

[Subramanyam Gunda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dale L. Roberts’ Amazon Keywords for Books is an indispensable guide for self-published authors looking to boost their book’s discoverability on Amazon. This book offers a clear, actionable roadmap for researching, selecting, and implementing keywords to improve sales and visibility on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

With step-by-step instructions, real-world examples, and insights from years of experience, Roberts demystifies Amazon’s keyword algorithms, helping authors make informed decisions about book metadata, marketing strategies, and advertising techniques.

Key Takeaways:
Page 35: "Keyword research isn’t about guessing—it’s about data-driven decisions." – Introduces keyword research tools and techniques.

Page 47: "KDP's seven keyword slots are your golden opportunity—use them wisely." – Provides best practices for keyword selection.

Page 143: "A book’s visibility is determined by relevance, engagement, and conversion—keywords fuel all three." – Explains how keywords influence rankings and sales.

Recommended for self-publishers looking to master Amazon's keyword strategy and boost their book sales! 🚀📚

[Krysten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a visual learner, especially when it comes to technical information, so this was tough for me to listen to as an audiobook. That's not to say the information presented wasn't useful or relevant by any means, as it certainly was. It's just one of those subjects that's hard to wrap your mind around because it's so complicated. Thankfully, Dale offers simple, everyday examples to illustrate the concepts he discusses, and the PDF accompaniment is an invaluable bonus. I hope it is updated as Amazon's algorithms change, as I will definitely be referencing it in the future!